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The average price of gas in the US rose for a seventh day in a row Tuesday after more than three months of falling prices – more than $5 per gallon in four states amid tight supplies as Russia escalates its war in Ukraine and Hurricane Ian threatens oil production in the Gulf of Mexico. .
key facts
Gas is the most expensive in California, averaging $5.88 a gallon โ up from $5.46 last week, according to AAA data.
Nevada, Oregon and Washington also saw jumps back above the $5 threshold, to $5.12, $5.12 and $5.02, respectivelyโmore than 50 cents in Oregon and Washington and a 40-cent jump in Washington.
Gas prices are up in 11 other states over the past week, with the biggest gains in Alaska ($4.64 to $4.88), Ohio ($3.45 to $3.65), Indiana ($3.66 to $3.90), Michigan ($3.80 to $4.12) and Wisconsin ($3.46). dollars) to $3.88).
Experts believe the surge could be due to a lack of supplies, due in part to the Russian war in Ukraine and ongoing threats to cut energy supplies, and could be exacerbated if Hurricane Ian – which reached Cuba on Tuesday morning – disrupts US oil production. The Gulf Of Mexico.
Prices have fallen in 22 states over the past week, primarily in the South and Northeast, with the largest declines in New Hampshire ($3.48 from $3.58), Connecticut ($3.33 from $3.44), New Jersey ($3.48 from $3.58) and Massachusetts ( $3.56 from $3.58). $3.67).
Gas is cheapest in Mississippi ($3.07), followed by Louisiana and Texas, where the price per gallon is $3.11.
main background
Last week ended a 99-day low in gas prices, with the national average rising to $3.67. Prices peaked in March at $4.33 a gallon – the highest level ever recorded in the United States, surpassing the previous high of $4.11 in July 2008. Prices have been rising for months this spring amid rising inflation and with crude oil prices soaring after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February and the Kremlin’s threats to cut off energy supplies to Europe.
the shadow
As Hurricane Ian heads toward Florida’s Gulf Coast, more Florida gas stations are operating empty, with more than 11% of Tampa Bay area stations without gas, and Gainesville-area stations not far away (6.43% closed), according to GasBuddy, head of analysis. petroleum Patrick de Han.
in-depth reading
US gas prices rise for the first time in 100 days (Forbes)
Why natural gas prices quadrupled in two years (Forbes)
Gas prices are rising again – these countries are where the cost is rising faster (Forbes)
